Portland actively encourages native-plant and ecoroof landscaping through Bureau of Environmental Services and Bureau of Planning and Sustainability programs. PCC 33.248 (Landscaping and Screening) governs required landscaping for development, and Portland's Stormwater Management Manual mandates native or drought-adapted plants in vegetated stormwater facilities. Naturalistic and meadow landscapes are exempt from PCC 29.30 grass-height enforcement when maintained as intentional landscape.
Portland is among the most native-plant-friendly cities in the U.S. PCC 33.248.030 sets landscaping standards for development projects and includes incentives for using native and drought-tolerant species (L1-L3 landscape ratings). The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) publishes the Portland Stormwater Management Manual, which requires native or naturalized plants in green street planters, ecoroofs, and rain gardens. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) runs the Backyard Habitat Certification Program in partnership with the Audubon Society of Portland, certifying residential yards using ≥50% native plants. Voluntary turf removal is encouraged but not required; there is no mandatory turf-replacement rule like California's. PCC 29.30 (tall grass) explicitly does not target intentional naturalistic landscapes — only neglect. The City's Tree Code (PCC Title 11) lists approved street-tree species with native preference and protects 'Heritage Trees' on private property regardless of species.
Native-plant landscaping carries no penalties — it is encouraged. The only related enforcement risk is when a 'meadow' or 'wild' yard is actually unmanaged tall grass triggering PCC 29.30 nuisance abatement; documentation of intentional native plantings (a Backyard Habitat certification) is the standard defense. Required landscaping for new development under PCC 33.248 is enforced as a zoning violation under PCC 33.700 with fines starting at $250/day.
Portland, OR
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See how Portland's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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